Digital Media Design Program

The Major

The Digital Media Design (DMD) program is an interdisciplinary major in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Penn. As a full-fledged Bachelors in Engineering and Science (BSE) degree, it combines major coursework in computer graphics within the Computer & Information Science Department, Communication theory courses from the Annenberg School and Fine Arts courses from Penn's School of Design. The program was designed for students who have an interest in computer graphics, animation, games, and the design of virtual reality environments and interactive technologies.

The program was created in 1998 to educate a new generation of people to work in computer graphics; people who, through a combined education in computer science, art and communications, could collaborate effectively in teams through integrated knowledge and skills. The largest employers of our graduates are DreamWorks Animation, Disney Animation, Electronic Arts, Zynga Games, Microsoft and Pixar.

Applicants to the DMD program are encouraged to submit a portfolio. Ideally portfolios should be placed on a web page with a link sent to Amy Calhoun at address (Cal1[at]seas.upenn.edu). Portfolios should include at least one drawing or painting as well as any other work that highlights your talent. All forms of media are welcomed.

A non-degree DMD Minor may be an option for students in other non-CIS majors.

As DMD majors, students will complete a Bachelors of Science in Engineering degree which includes: